Our world is in the midst of a communications revolution, with the Internet’s explosive growth creating benefits ranging from significantly improved advertising ROI and immediate access to multiple information sources to reductions in businesses’ operating costs.
Yet the size, scope and anonymity afforded by the Internet has also spawned a new form of malfeasance: cyber-crime. Cybercriminals challenge legitimate businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations in a variety of ways, including cyber-espionage (hacking into organizations’ computer systems to steal information) and even cyber-warfare (the crippling of essential services).
More common are online scams such as typosquatting, in which online delinquents acquire domains that infringe on legitimate brands and redirect traffic away from its intended destination.
An entire industry – comprised of security software developers, law enforcement cybercrime units, cyber-security businesses and online brand protection firms such as CitizenHawk – has arisen to help companies overcome technical weaknesses and reduce their vulnerability to online abuse. In addition, the SEC is requiring companies to have measures in place to protect sensitive information, arguing that safeguarding sensitive data is among the companies’ fiduciary responsibility. Those that fail to comply face stringent penalties.
In response, many security-conscious companies have already moved toward “parking” and “storing” company files at a non-physical location in cyber-space in a trend commonly referred to as “cloud computing.” Cloud-based files, accessible only through company-sponsored web page and passwords, have proven difficult to penetrate by unauthorized visitors – but that will change as hackers continually adapt to evolving technology. In this ongoing cat and mouse game, companies need to work tirelessly to stay abreast of changes, incorporate advances in technology, and call in the experts before they need them.
Also important to remember: it’s essential to move quickly and close gaps in organizational security as soon as you become aware of them.
There are a variety of measures organizations can take to protect themselves:
- Invest in information protection;
- Educate your staff on cyber-crime and online infringement; and
- Stay abreast of changes in technology.
On a broader political scale, consider supporting legislative or regulatory measures designed to combat cybercrime, such as funding to help law enforcement agencies train experts in the field. You also should become involved with organizations pressing for international cooperation, data sharing and development of universal laws regarding cyberspace.
Combatting cybercrime is a challenging, ever-changing endeavor, but there are a variety of information sources that can assist you, including the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section and CitizenHawk.
